I just got my 89 240 GL. It's in great shape, but one thing I need to replace right away is the alternator.

I have replaced them on other cars, but have never owned a brick. It looks like a simple unbolt/bolt job. Any tips would be appreciated.

Also, should I buy one new or pull one from a junkyard? I have found a new (probably rebuilt) one at Autozone for $89.00 -with exchange.

I have also seen on ipd that you can order 'brush kits.'
The rep at the parts store hooked mine up to a tester machine and told me that mine was charging a little, but not much. He said it is probably that the brushes inside the alternator have gone bad.

By the look of the outside casing of the alt it doesn't look that old. It almost looks fairly new (but I know I woudn't be able to trade it in on warrenty because I am not the original purchaser -and I'm not sure that I have the receipt).

So how easy is it to change out the brushes? Or should I just replace the whole thing?

-Thanks